The effect of an oxidation precatalyst on the NOx reduction by ammonia SCR

The performances of oxidation and SCR catalysts were investigated individually and as a combined system for the removal of NOx by ammonia. Experiments were carried out with synthetic gas mixtures matching the composition of diesel exhaust. Introducing an oxidation catalyst upstream of the SCR catalyst enhances the removal of NOx at low temperatures. The beneficial effects of combining the two catalysts are the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons that inhibit the SCR reaction and the conversion of NO to NO2 on the oxidation catalyst. NO2 fractions up to 50% of total NOx enhance the NOx conversion at temperatures below 300 degreesC. However, excess NO2 should be avoided because the reaction of NO2 with ammonia is slow, resulting in a decreased NOx conversion. Above 350 degreesC, the NOx conversion essentially does not depend on the ratio NO2/NOx or on the presence of hydrocarbons in the feed. A simple mathematical prediction of the NOx conversion for the combined system is also possible. The parameters used in this calculation are the ratio NO2/NOx behind the oxidation catalyst and the experimentally determined conversions of pure NO or NO2 over the SCR catalyst.